That "Thing" on Your Eye Might be Cataracts

Many people are unaware that June is Cataract Awareness Month. This is one of the many health issues faced by people during the aging process. In fact, cataracts are the number one cause of blindness in adults ages 55 and up. Over half of all seniors over 65 have at least some form of cataract development.

Eye care is an essential checkup that sometimes people put on the backburner. Since it is less burdensome than many other health issues, people sometimes fail to realize the importance. First of all, what is it?

What are Cataracts?

When dense, cloudy particles form in the lens region of the eyeball; these are protein buildups that interfere with vision. Most often, cataracts begin with one eye and develop slowly, eventually interfering with your vision. A study done by a University Medical Branch in Galveston implies that seniors who develop poor vision also experience premature decline in their mental health.

What Can be Done About Cataracts?

When someone is first diagnosed with having cataracts, the eye doctor may recommend stronger eyeglasses and better lighting for conditions which require substantial eyesight, such as reading or working on computers, hobbies and other activities. This can alleviate the vision problems, although it does not make the cataracts disappear. If they worsen, cataracts can only be corrected through surgery.

Did you know? Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries within the US, with a high success rate. Over 90% of all people who undergo cataract surgery will regain their useful eyesight again.

Why are we mentioning Cataract Awareness? CARE, Inc. caregivers often see patients who complain of blurred vision or other eyesight problems, or sometimes the elderly patient might not talk about these problems due to embarrassment or other reasons.

If you notice a loved one or person over the age of 55 who feels dizzy, complains of having something in their eye, or just misses obvious things because of poor eyesight, then we would encourage you to bring that person to an eye doctor who can test for cataracts. June is Cataract Awareness Month!